A Select Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 13Dodsley, Robert
General
A Select Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 13
Dodsley, Robert
English drama
+Dor.+ I mar'l, sir, who did license you to pry,
Or spy out any friends that come to me;
It shows an unbred curiosity,
Which I'll correct hereafter. You will dare
To break up letters shortly, and examine
My tailor, lest, when he brings home my gown,
There, be a man in't. I'll have whom I list,
In what disguise I list, and when I list,
And not have your sour eyes so saucy to peep,
As if you, by prevention, meant to kill
A basilisk.
+Ware.+ Mistress, do what you list,
Send for your couch out, lie with your gallants there
Before us all: or, if you have a mind
To fellows that can lift weights, I can call
Two footmen too.
+Sea.+ You are too patient, sir:
Send for the marshal, and discharge your house.
+Mis. Sea.+ Truly a handsome woman! what pity 'tis
She is not honest. [_Aside._
+Mis. Hol.+ Two proper gentlemen, too.
Lord, that such pictures might be sent to me!
[_Aside._
SCENE IX.
_Enter +Plotwell+ and +Roseclap+, with +Bannswright+
and +Quartfield+ disguised._
+Ware.+ O nephew, welcome to my ransom! here
My house is made a new erection; gallants
Are brought in varied forms. Had I not look'd
By providence into that frame, these two
Had been convey'd for night-pieces and landskips
Into my chaste bride's chamber. Till now, she took
And let herself out; now she will be able
To hire and buy offenders.
+Plot.+ I'll ease you, sir;
We two have made a full discovery of her.
+Rose.+ She's married to another man, sir.
+Ware.+ Good nephew, thou art my blessed angel.
Who are these two?
+Plot.+ Two that will secure your ships,
Sent by the office. Seal you, sir: th' have brought
Th' assurance with 'em.
+Ware.+ Nephew, thou were't born
To be my dear preserver.
+Plot.+ It is duty, sir,
To help you out with your misfortunes. Gentlemen,
Produce your instruments. Uncle, put your seal
And write your name here; they will do the like
To the other parchment. So, now deliver.
[_They subscribe, seal, and deliver interchangeably._
+Ware.+ I do deliver this as my act and deed.
+Ban.+, +Quart.+ And we this, as our act and deed.
+Plot.+ Pray, gentlemen,
Be witness here. Upon a doubtful rumour
Of two ships wreck'd, as they return'd from Ormus,
My uncle covenants to give three parts
To have the fourth secured. And these two here,
[_+Seathrift+, +Roseclap+, +Bright+, and +Newcut+
subscribe as witnesses._
As delegates of the office, undertake
At that rate to assure them. Uncle, now
Call forth the sailor, and send for the priest
That married you.
_Enter +Salewit+ and +Cypher+._
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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